Perhaps this post will be a little more linear for you if you read “The Sacred Pursuit” first? I promise. It’s short. Really. I’m working on brevity.
I’ve been reading Matthew 14:28-29 much this week, primarily through “lectio davina” (which I will share more about next week) and I’m haunted by song.
Music has a way of reaching in and turning the key to my soul until suddenly the door opens and I begin to get a glimpse of what’s on the other side.
There was a song, a rich and beautiful song, whose chorus was stuck – I sang it often during my waking hours and heard it in my dreams in the night.
I had no idea what the song was called nor who sang it’s riveting words. Somehow it became entrenched in my mind.
Enter Michelle from “Lost in the Prairies”. She left a comment on Tuesday that stated:
While reading your post, all I could hear in my mind is the song “All Who are Thirsty”. He does call us to come…
Can you guess what song I have been singing?
Yes. “All Who Are Thirsty” by Kutlass. The chorus sings “Come Lord Jesus Come” – an invitation for Jesus to come to us.
When I really began to think of these lyrics, I was also reminded of Heather Williams’ song “Hallelujah”, a song in which she pleads for Jesus to “please come today”.
Another invitation to come to us.
Immediately, I thought of Matthew 14:28-29 and how Jesus invites us to join Him.
Come.
After this sacred invitation to follow Him, Peter is granted enough courage to get out of the boat and walk towards Jesus. On the water.
But only after His invitation.
And then I began to think that it’s only when we hear and accept His sacred pursuit, His constant invitation that is omnipresent to each of us, that we are granted enough courage to get out of the boat and return the invitation by inviting Him to us. To our hearts. To our minds. To our earth
“Come”, He says.
“Come”, we say.
A beautiful dance.
I’m joining with my sweet pal Erin from “It’s Grace” for “Mama’s Heart”, a beautiful new meme she has started and I adore – a chance to share what’s on this “mama’s heart” is always much-appreciated.
And also, please know that I have felt a bit of guilt as of late because I’m not a good commenter or email return-er. While I visit and comment as much as I’m able, I must also be honest and share that if I am to be the kind of mama, wife, Jesus-freak, and church leader that I desire to be, I can’t get it all done in a 24 hour period. I’ll be there to read your beautiful words and leave a comment or two but it might be delayed a bit. I appreciate your understanding, patience, and grace to this slow-moving lady.
This was beautiful. Both yesterday and today. I will be dwelling on these thoughts for quite some time!
>And then I began to think that it’s only when we hear and accept His sacred pursuit, His constant invitation that is omnipresent to each of us, that we are granted enough courage to get out of the boat and return the invitation by inviting Him to us. To our hearts. To our minds. To our earth< AMAZING!!!
Thanks you! Jessica
I LOVE that song by Kutless. I remember the first time I heard it at church and when I learned that I, too, could hear that song whenever I wanted. I made a snowy night trek to my local Christian supply type store and they had the CD and I bought it. Wow. Love that song to pieces.
Much love,
Erin
I’ve had the old hymn, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” playing in my head lately – thinking about all this. And I’ve really enjoyed it, so thank you.
Also, your post caught my eye because I learned about lectio davina in my Bible study group about one month ago. Such a powerful study tool! And I was thinking about blogging about it next week – we’ll see. I look forward to reading your thoughts on it.
About comments and email – it is impossible to go tit-for-tat and you are right to put other priorities first. Keep up the good work!
He pursues…we pursue …beautiful…He captures me
love the depth of this post…I think we all understand how time
crunched we are and of course we give you grace…how could we not?
xo
There should be no guilt between Mama’s hearts! ))HUG((…isn’t it great to be blessed with happy e-mails and comments…too many to answer! Blessings to you today my thirsty friend!
And I wonder if I extend the invitation to my children…to come. Do I become some form of a tangible Jesus that envelopes them? Do my actions and my words call to their hearts? the very core of their being?
Reminds me of Psalm 27:8-
My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”
I need to listen for His invitation and just go more often…
The song I thought of is “Come to the water.” Matt Maher does a good version on his album “Overflow”. We actually sang it in my high school choir, at public school! Ah I was so happy this week to return to my small town roots, where they had a billboard that said “Jesus, it’s hell without Him”.
no guilt…you know this…i was walking back to my house last night and i heard Him say ‘let go’ and i thought, ‘is it really that easy?’ and at the same time ‘is it really that hard?’
you are doing awesomely…and oh my, i am learning it all too…it is hard…you know how many e-mails, etc. Ann gets and she has had to let go and follow Him…this is a part of the journey of following His call…
having said all of that, love your post:) and i have had that very same song just pour through me…it first came to me on a cd that someone gave me out of Calvary Chapel when my mom was dying…it is all done by people who are suffering and hurting and receiving Him…so, that was awesome…
ok, i’m off, with love:)
Following from Mingle Monday. You can check out my page at http://www.facebook.com/TheWhiteWhimsies